Coin processor having error-indicating system

ABSTRACT

Errors in coin processor counting or denominational value determining attributable to foreign matter present on the processor guide rail or to surface defects in coins are detected and indicated by use of a counter incremented and decremented in accordance with output signals successively generated by sensors examining coins in transit.

Waited States atent 1191 Conant et a1.

[ 1 Nov. 19, 1974 COIN PROCESSOR HAVING ERROR-INDICATING SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Barton C. Conant, Westport; Szee Ming Yao, Norwa1k, both of Conn.

[73] Assignee: Abbott Coin Counter Co. Inc., Greenwich, Conn.

22 Filed: Dec. 7, 1973 21 App1.No.:422,744

[52] 11.8. C1 133/8 R, 235/92 CN [51] Int. Cl. G07d 3/16 [58] Field of Search 133/8 R; 235/92 CN, 98 C [5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,431,920 3/1969 Zimmermann 133/8 R 3,565,085 2/1971 Heywood 133/8 R 3,699,981 10/1972 Conant 133/8 R 3,754,558 8/1973 Conant 133/8 R Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-Thomas E. Kocovsky Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Watson Leavenworth Kelton & Taggart [57] ABSTRACT Errors in coin processor counting or denominational value determining attributable to foreign matter present on the processor guide rail or to surface defects in coins are detected and indicated by' use of a counter incremented and decremented in accordance with output signals successively generated by sensors examining coins in transit.

11 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures COIN PROCESSOR HAVING ERROR-INDICATING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to improvements in coin processors and more particularly to systems for detecting and indicating the presence therein of foreign matter occasioning errors in coin counting or coin denominational value determination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In US. Pat. No. 3,699,981, there is described a coin processor of the type providing for uninterrupted transit of coins through a coin chute which incorporates elements for sensing coin size characteristics and hence coin denominational value. As constrasted with prior processors of the type which interrupt coin movement and convey coins from a coin chute individually into an accessory sensing mechanism, processors of the type discussed in the referenced patent, while adapted for desired high speed operation, are somewhat susceptible to error if foreign matter is present on the guide rail of the coin chutein position affecting transit of a coin through the sensing elements. Thus, a coin in transit may exhibit size characteristics of a larger sized coin either by reason of being examined while either rolling on foreign matter or being displaced upwardly from the guide rail by the foreign matter.

Where the presence of such foreign matter is known, the simple expedient of discontinuing machine operation and cleaning the guide rail may be readily undertaken. In the absence, however, of discrete indication of the presence of such foreign matter, one either tolerates errors attributable thereto or must periodically interrupt machine operation for housekeeping purposes, evidently undesirable alternatives. Accordingly, need currently exists for systems for detecting and providing indication of the presence of foreign matter in position affecting transit of a coin through the sensing elements in coin processors supporting uninterrupted coin tran- Slt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide systems and apparatus for detection and indication of errorinducing foreign matter in coin processors supporting uninterrupted coin transit.

It is a more particular object of the invention to provide systems and apparatus providing improved performance in coin processors of the type described in the referenced patent.

In the efficient attainment of the foregoing and other objects, the invention provides counter means, preferably in the form of an up-down counter, selectively incremented and decremented responsively to input signals from the coin sensing elements of the referenced patent, circuit means generating an output signal on accumulation of a preselected count in the counter means and indicator means operative on each such circuit means output signal to provide output indication, namely, of the presence of foreign matter on the coin chute guide rail.

In the coin processor of the referenced patent, coin sensors are provided inclusive of first sensor means providing and output signal selectively indication sizes of coins in transit and second sensor means so positioned in the coin chute relative to the first sensor means as to be operated upon by each coin in transit at that time at which the first sensor means output signals are indicative of coin size according with actual coin denominational value. The first sensor means preferably includes a plurality of sensors, each occupying a selectively different position upwardly of the guide rail. The second sensor means is disposed generally adjacent the guide rail. In operation, in the absence of foreign matter in position affecting transit of a coin through the sensing elements, both sensor groups are operated upon by a coin in transit. In accordance with the subject invention, the output signal from the first sensor means serves to increment the counter means. Each second sensor means output signal decrements the counter means. Where no foreign matter, in position affecting transit of a coin through the sensing elements, is present on the guide rail, the counter means does not accumulate a count greater than unity. On the other hand, where such foreign matter is present on the guide rail, coins are deflected thereby above the guide rail such that they operate only upon the first sensor group, and erratically so as respects size indication. As successive coins are affected by the foreign matter, the counter means accumulates a count greater than unity since no decrementing signals are applied thereto. Where the count exceeds a preselected count, e.g., a three count, output indication of the presence of foreign matter, in position affecting transit of a coin through the sensing elements, is provided through responsive action of the circuit means and indicator means. i

The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description thereof and from the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin counter and sorter partly broken away to show the transfer chute thereof FIG. 2 is a frontal elevational view of a section of the transfer chute of FIG. 1 illustrating the sensing position for each of four differently-sized coins individually transferable through the chute.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a particularly preferred embodiment of the system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION or THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, collector and transfer unit 10 of coin sorter-counter 1 includes a coin depository scoop l2 and a continuously rotating tumtable 14. Coins, which are to be sorted and counted, or, the denominational values of which are to be totalized, are gravityfed onto the turntable and are individually displaced by turntable pins 16 from the vicinity of plate 12 and are carried by the turntable to acceptor-17 of chute 18, the coins being maintained about the periphery of the turntable during such transfer by centripetal forcesprovided by retaining guard 20 or by gravitational forces depending upon turntable rotational speed. Chute 18 is inclined downwardly such that coins transferred thereto roll edgewise through the chute under the influence of either the force attending their issuance from turntable 14 to acceptor 17 or gravitational force. Coin deflector elements 22, 24, 26 and 28 are secured in chute 18 at different elevations corresponding with the different sizes of coins traversing the chute for purposes of selectively deflecting coins into sorting bins 30, 32, 34 and 36. In the arrangement of FIG. 1 sortingcounting apparatus 1 accommodates four differently sized coins, e.g., dime, penny, nickel and quarter. In all discussion to follow, this specific exemplary arrangement will be considered, modification of the system and apparatus herein to accommodate coins of further different sizes requiring only evident modifications. Disposed along chute 18 between collector and transfer unit and the first deflector element 22 is a coin size and position discriminator 38. This unit preferably includes photoelectric means for coin size and position indication and to this extent embraces an exciting unit and a unit 42 containing sensing devices and signal processing circuitry.

Referring to the front elevational view of chute 18 illustrated in FIG. 2, apertures 44, 46, 48, and 52 are provided in wall 54 of the chute and unit 42 sensors 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 are mounted on wall 54 in respective registration with the apertures such that the apertures define the fields of view of the sensors. In the absence of coins in chute 18 all of the sensors will be continually excited by individual corresponding illuminators of exciting unit 40 of FIG. 1. In the preferred arrangement, sensors 56, 58 and 60, constituting a first sensor group, are aligned in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of chute 18 and are positioned at respectively increasing heights above longitudinal guide rail 55 to be selectively deenergized and to thereby provide size indication of diverse coins in transit through the chute. Sensors 62 and 64, constituting second sensor means, are preferably aligned in a plane parallel to guide rail 55. As is explained fully in the referenced patent, the second sensor means is positioned with respect to the first sensor group such that, upon deenergization of the second sensor means by a coin in transit, the states of energization or deenergization of the individual sensors of the first sensor group will provide size indication definitive of the proper denominational value of the coin.

As shown in FIG. 4 of the referenced patent, each of sensors 56-64 may comprise a phototransistor. In the case of sensors 56-60, the output signals of the phototransistors associated therewith are amplified individually in single transistor stages and applied respectively to output lines denominated 110-114 both in FIG.4 of the referenced patent and in FIG. 3 herein. The phototransistors and a single stages are so arranged in the referenced patent that output lines 110-114 are normally I-II, i.e., are at a first preselected voltage amplitude, when a coin is not in the field of sensitivity of the sensor associated therewith, and are otherwise LO, i.e., at a second preselected voltage amplitude less than the first preselected voltage.

In the case of sensors 62 and 64, the output signals of the phototransistors associated therewith are applied to circuitry, shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 of the referenced patent, which provides an output indication when both of these phototransistors are rendered non-conductive, i.e., when a coin is in the field of sensitivity of both of sensors 62 and 64. L0 output indication is provided under this condition and is applied to an output line denominated 82 both in FIGS. 4 and 6 of the referenced patent and in FIG. 3 herein.

The arrangement of sensors 56, 58 and 60 herein differs from that in the referenced patent in that all of the four differently sized coins under consideration operate on at least sensor 60 in transit. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 3 herein, one of the sensor output lines 110, 112 and 114 goes LO during the transit of any one of the coins. NAND gate 116 provides a HI output on line 118 on each such occurrence. Monostable multivibrator 120 thereupon applies a pulse to the incrementcount input terminal of counter 122. The counter thereupon steps to unity count and line 124 of its normally HI output lines, 124-130, goes LO. Following each such occurrence, if no foreign matter is present on the guide rail in position affecting transit of a coin through the sensing elements, sensing elements 62 and 64 are also operated upon and line 82 goes LO, applying a pulse to the decrement-count input terminal of counter 122. The counter accordingly steps from unity count back to zero count. Under normal conditions, this cyclic incrementing and decrementing of counter 122 will occur.

In the event that foreign matter is present in position affecting transit ofa coin through the sensing elements, sensing elements 62 and 64 will not be operated upon by the coin then in transit, and counter 122 will maintain its unity count. Under this condition, succeeding coins in transit will give rise to an increase in the count of counter 122.

Counter 122 preferably controls its output lines 124-130, such that only line 124 is LO upon unity count, that only line 126 is LO on a two count. that only lines 124 and 126 are LO on a three count, etc. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, lines 124 and 126 are connected to NOR gate 132, a two input gate providing a HI signal on its output line 134 upon the coincident occurrence of L0 signals at both input terminals thereof. Accordingly, in this embodiment line 134 goes selectively HI where lines 124 and 126 are LO, i.e., upon a count of three in counter 122. As line 134 goes I-II, indicator 136 is energized to provide indication that foreign matter is present on the processor guide rail in position affecting transit of a coin through the sensing elements. Concurrently, the line 134 III energizes motor controller 138 which thereupon deenergizes the motor which rotates the turntable 14. A mechanical reset facility is incorporated in motor controller 138 such that the motor may be reenergized following guide rail cleaning by mechanical input such as is referenced at 140.

The system thus described tolerates nominal coin counting errors by permitting a two count in counter 122 before interruption of processor operation. Where more accurate coin counting is desired, such system may be modified by employing, e.g., only line 126 in energizing indicator 136. In this instance, the indicator may directly respond to the counter output, there being no need for use of coincidence circuitry, such as gate 132. This arrangement provides for error indication where one coin in transit is affected in its passage. In an alternative to the last-discussed arrangement, circuitry may be employed which would observe the length of time at which counter output line 124 is LO. If this time exceeds the time required for a coin in transit to move through sensors 58-64, error indication is provided. 1

The system of course lends itself to applications wherein lesser accuracy is desired in coin counting. In these applications, gate 132 may comprise a two-, threeor even four-input NOR gate. By way of example, where it may be permissible to accumulate a count of thirteen in counterv 132 prior to undertaking guide rail cleaning, a three-input NOR gate would be employed, the inputs thereto being provided by lines 126, 128 and 130.

In a still further aspect of the invention, counter 122 is periodically reset to zero count, irrespective of its then-accumulated count. To this end, a reset signal is generated on line 142 periodically by such circuit means as oscillator 144 and monostable multivibrator 146. The frequency of oscillator 144 is set in accordance with the desired periodic reset frequency and unit 146 is responsive to the oscillator to generator a pulse of predetermined width at the oscillator frequency. By way of example of this latter aspect of the invention, if transient foreign matter should give rise to the accumulation of a unity count in counter 122, and thereafter not adversely affect the passage of a coin in transit, the counter will cycle about a unity count instead of a zero count. The line 142 reset signal serves to erase such static unity count and return the counter to its status of cycling about a zero count. In effect, the reset facility guards against unnecessary interruption of processor operation where errors due to transient foreign matter are considerably spaced in time of occurrence and are errors tolerable in the application involved. As will be evident, use of the reset facility is optional.

In implementing the system of FIG. 3, apart from conventional circuit means above-discussed, indicator 136 may comprise any known voltage amplituderesponsive lamp or bell circuit and controller 38 may similarly comprise any known voltage amplituderesponsive switching circuit of sufficient rating for motor energizing or braking. The invention contemplates use of a presettable up-down counter as a substitute for the illustrated combination of an up-down counter and a coincidence gate.

While the invention has been discussed above primarily in connection with the provision of indication of error attributable to the presence of foreign matter, the

invention provides indication of error due to other causes. Thus, a coin may have a surface nick or chip which induces flight of the coin above the guide rail, as opposed to desired rolling or sliding motion of the coin through the sensor element area. Where such coin defect causes the coin to fail to interrupt the light beams exciting sensors 62 and 64, output error indication is provided by the disclosed system. Accordingly, the source of error primarily disclosed is intended in a descriptive and not in a limiting sense. Similarly, the invention has been disclosed by way ofa particularly preferred embodiment for arrangement of the sensor groups of FIG. 2 and for the system of FIG. 3. Various modifications thereof will be evident to those skilled in the art and can be introduced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such arrangement and system are also thus intended in a descriptive and not in a limiting sense, the invention herein being defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A system for providing indication of the presence of foreign matter on the guide rail of an elongate coin chute of a coin processor, said chute supporting first and second sensor means successively longitudinally positioned along said guide rail for respectively generating first and second output signals upon the transit of a coin through said chute, said first and second output signals cooperatively indicating the denominational value of said coin, said system comprising counter circuit means incremented responsively to said first output signal and decremented responsively to said second output signal for generating an output signal upon attaining a preselected count and indicator means operated on the occurrence of each counter circuit means output signal for providing said indication of said presence of foreign matter.

2. A system for providing indication of the presence of foreign matter on the guide rail of an elongate coin chute of a coin processor, said chute supporting first and second sensor means successively longitudinally positioned along said guide rail for respectively generating first and second output signals upon the transit of a coin through said chute, said first and second output signals cooperatively indicating the denominational value of said coin, said system comprising:

a. counter means incremented responsively to said first output signal and decremented responsively to said second output signal for generating output sig nals indicative of the count thereby attained;

b. circuit means responsive to counter means output signals indicative of a preselected count for generating an output signal; and

c. indicator means operated on the occurrence of each circuit means output signal for providing said indication of said presence of foreign matter.

3. The system. claimed in claim 2 wherein said counter means includes a plurality of output lines and generates said output signals thereof by selectively providing a voltage of preselected amplitude on said output lines.

4. The system claimed in claim 3 wherein said circuit means comprises input terminals each connected to a one of said counter means output lines and coincidence circuitry operative to provide said circuit means output signal when said counter means provides said preselected amplitude voltages on predetermined output lines thereof.

5. The system claimed in claim 2 wherein said counter means is resettable to zero count upon application of a reset signal thereto, said system including further circuit means cyclically generating said reset signal and means applying said reset signal to said counter means.

6. The system claimed in claim 2 wherein said first sensor means comprises a plurality of sensor elements disposed successively above said guide rail whereby said first sensor means output signal includes characteristics for discriminating among coins of different sizes.

7. The system claimed in claim 6 wherein said second sensor means includes first and second longitudinally spaced sensor elements and circuit means generating said second output signal exclusively upon the presence of a coin in transit in the fields of sensitivity of both of said first and second longitudinally spaces sensor elements.

8. In combination, in a coin processor:

a. an elongate coin chute having a guide rail supporting edgewise transit of coins'therethrough;

b. first and second sensor means successively longitudinally positioned along said guide rail for respectively generating first and second output signals upon the transit of a coin through said chute, said first and second output signals cooperatively indicating the denominational value of said coin; and

c. means for indicating error in such denominational value indication attributable to the presence in said chute of foreign matter effecting coin transit, comprising:

1. counter circuit means incremented responsively to said first output signal and decremented responsively to said second output signal and generating an output signal upon attaining a preselected count; and

2. indicator means operated on the occurrence of each counter circuit means output signal for providing said error indication.

9. The invention claimed in claim 8 wherein said counter circuit means is resettable to zero count upon application of a reset signal thereto, said coin processor including further circuit means cyclically generating said reset signal and means applying said reset signal to said counter circuit means.

10. The invention claimed in claim 8 wherein said first sensor means comprises a plurality of sensor elements disposed successively above said guide r'ail whereby said first sensor means output signal includes characteristics for discriminating among coins of different sizes.

11. The invention claimed in claim 10 wherein said second sensor means includes first and second longitudinally spaced sensor elements and circuit means generating said second output signal exclusively upon the presence of a coin in transit in the fields of sensitivity of both of said first and second longitudinally spaced sensor elements. 

1. A system for providing indication of the presence of foreign matter on the guide rail of an elongate coin chute of a coin processor, said chute supporting first and second sensor means successively longitudinally positioned along said guide rail for respectively generating first and second output signals upon the transit of a coin through said chute, said first and second output signals cooperatively indicating the denominational value of said coin, said system comprising counter circuit means incremented responsively to said first output signal and decremented responsively to said second output signal for generating an output signal upon attaining a preselected count and indicator means operated on the occurrence of each counter circuit means output signal for providing said indication of said presence of foreign matter.
 2. A system for providing indication of the presence of foreign matter on the guide rail of an elongate coin chute of a coin processor, said chute supporting first and second sensor means successively longitudinally positioned along said guide rail for respectively generating first and second output signals upon the transit of a coin through said chute, said first and second output signals cooperatively indicating the denominational value of said coin, said system comprising: a. counter means incremented responsively to said first output signal and decremented responsively to said second output signal for generating output signals indicative of the count thereby attained; b. circuit means responsive to counter means output signals indicative of a preselected count for generating an output signal; and c. indicator means operated on the occurrence of each circuit means output signal for providing said indication of said presence of foreign matter.
 2. indicator means operated on the occurrence of each counter circuit means output signal for providing said error indication.
 3. The system claimed in claim 2 wherein said counter means includes a plurality of output lines and generates said output signals thereof by selectively providing a voltage of preselected amplitude on said output lines.
 4. The system claimed in claim 3 wherein said circuit means comprises input terminals each connected to a one of said counter means output lines and coincidence circuitry operative to provide said circuit means output signal when said counter means provides said preselected amplitude voltages on predetermined output lines thereof.
 5. The system claimed in claim 2 wherein Said counter means is resettable to zero count upon application of a reset signal thereto, said system including further circuit means cyclically generating said reset signal and means applying said reset signal to said counter means.
 6. The system claimed in claim 2 wherein said first sensor means comprises a plurality of sensor elements disposed successively above said guide rail whereby said first sensor means output signal includes characteristics for discriminating among coins of different sizes.
 7. The system claimed in claim 6 wherein said second sensor means includes first and second longitudinally spaced sensor elements and circuit means generating said second output signal exclusively upon the presence of a coin in transit in the fields of sensitivity of both of said first and second longitudinally spaces sensor elements.
 8. In combination, in a coin processor: a. an elongate coin chute having a guide rail supporting edgewise transit of coins therethrough; b. first and second sensor means successively longitudinally positioned along said guide rail for respectively generating first and second output signals upon the transit of a coin through said chute, said first and second output signals cooperatively indicating the denominational value of said coin; and c. means for indicating error in such denominational value indication attributable to the presence in said chute of foreign matter effecting coin transit, comprising:
 9. The invention claimed in claim 8 wherein said counter circuit means is resettable to zero count upon application of a reset signal thereto, said coin processor including further circuit means cyclically generating said reset signal and means applying said reset signal to said counter circuit means.
 10. The invention claimed in claim 8 wherein said first sensor means comprises a plurality of sensor elements disposed successively above said guide rail whereby said first sensor means output signal includes characteristics for discriminating among coins of different sizes.
 11. The invention claimed in claim 10 wherein said second sensor means includes first and second longitudinally spaced sensor elements and circuit means generating said second output signal exclusively upon the presence of a coin in transit in the fields of sensitivity of both of said first and second longitudinally spaced sensor elements. 